Rijkevorsel: Discover Nature, Mills and Chapels

Rijkevorsel combines nature observation, historical traces and special places for shared discoveries. In the town and its districts, experiences range from the bee garden and a green nature trail circuit to the history of chapels, mills and brickworks. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Rijkevorsel can therefore shape their stay according to their own interests: focusing on landscape and activity, visiting cultural sites, or combining both.

Experience nature: bees and landscapes

An unusual starting point for a day in nature is Bijencentrum De Raam in Achtel, Rijkevorsel. It was built between 2011 and 2013 as a bee garden and visitor centre. More than 300 different nectar plants grow in the garden, arranged in a honeycomb-like hexagonal structure. As a result, not only the life of the bees takes centre stage, but also the design of the garden itself. At Bijencentrum, visitors can learn about the behaviour and lives of bees, as well as the craft of beekeeping.

For a walk, the green 4.2-kilometre circuit of the De Pomp-Blakheide-Kolonie nature trail is a good choice. It starts at the playground near Poelberg in Rijkevorsel. The three natural areas connected by the nature trail are remnants of the historic Ab(t)sheide and extend across Rijkevorsel, Beerse and Merksplas. Those who want to combine nature and local history along the way will find a clearly defined outing here with a set route length. At the same time, planning the day leaves room to choose additional stops according to your own pace.

Mills, museum and local history

The Stenen Bergmolen is part of Rijkevorsel’s historical heritage. It was built in 1861–1862 and is the last surviving mill of the many mills that once existed in Rijkevorsel. The mill is located along a cycling and walking route. The mill grounds have a picnic area with benches and parking spaces. This makes it possible to combine a visit to the mill with an outdoor break and a route by bicycle or on foot, without limiting the outing to a single building.

Achtel also has a distinctive religious and historical focal point. The walk to Achtel leads from the centre of Hoogstraten to Achtel, a hamlet in Rijkevorsel, through meadows and fields; its central point is the Chapel of Achtel. The Chapel of Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows is a High Gothic chapel built on an artificial hill called “Kapelberg”. It was first mentioned in 1475 and has been on the list of protected monuments since 1938. The Sint-Antonius celebration held annually in Achtel on the first Sunday after 17 January adds a living tradition to this history.

For another cultural highlight, you can put the Gemeentelijk Heemkundig Museum on your list. Since September 2022, it has been located in the Gemeenschapscentrum in Sint-Jozef Rijkevorsel, Kerkdreef 61, 2310 Rijkevorsel. Steenbakkerij Sas also offers an insight into the region’s industrial history: it was founded in 1906 as one of the last brickworks. Its founders included Jan Janssen from Rijkevorsel and Jan Coppé from Broechem.

Which accommodation suits your stay?

When searching for a holiday apartment in Rijkevorsel, it is worth first deciding on your preferred travel focus. For days in nature, Bijencentrum De Raam and the De Pomp-Blakheide-Kolonie nature trail take centre stage. Those who prefer discovering historic buildings and regional traditions can include the Stenen Bergmolen, the museum and the chapel in Achtel in their plans. The stay becomes particularly varied when you combine active stages with more leisurely visits and a picnic break.

Discover more local pages

If you would like to view more local pages for planning your trip in addition to Rijkevorsel, you will find Vorselaar, Mortsel, Herselt, Bonheiden, Westerlo, Arendonk, Sint-Katelijne-Waver and Mechelen here.

To the higher-level travel overview: Antwerp Province.